I remember when I first saw Red Deer, with its wide roads and clean streets, thinking that I want to live here some day. And I am happy that finally happened. But the clean streets are a thing of the past. Drive to work at 7 in the morning on a Saturday or Sunday and you will see what I mean.
But the most disturbing part was yet to come. When moving to Deer Park, across from Hunting Hills High School, the students using our back alleys at break time and leaving their garbage, dishes and utensils was disturbing and messy. Fortunately, one call to the school and there was a garbage pickup day. Thank you.
I now live by an elementary school. So what are they teaching our young students about being environmentally friendly and preserving the environment? Nothing, I guess.
I can take a photo in the evening after I have picked up garbage, followed by one the next day after recess or lunch break. Plastic sandwich bags, fruit cups, juice boxes, granola wrappers, the list goes on. This is not vehicle traffic, because they leave cans, Tim’s cups, McDonald’s wrappers, totally different.
My grandson says at his school, no food is allowed on the playground. Makes sense, kids running, playing, talking and eating is a choking hazard. Plus, no school yard garbage!
Will I name the school. Yes! Mattie McCullough Elementary School, you should be ashamed of what you are teaching your students about our environment.
Olga Nelson
Red Deer